Movers

Michigan to Missouri Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 657 mile interstate move from Michigan to Missouri? This moving guide will help you compare living in Michigan vs Missouri across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Pasties vs St. Louis-style Pizza), real estate & housing (lakehouse/cottage vs colonial/traditional), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Michigan), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pasties and Detroit-style Coneys, but get your taste buds ready for St. Louis-style Pizza & Smoked Brisket
  • Missouri housing costs are 1% more expensive than they are in Michigan
  • Rent in Missouri is 7.98% more affordable than in Michigan
  • Moving from Michigan to Missouri will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Michigan to Missouri movers is Pro-Low Moving

Michigan to Missouri Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to Missouri

ConsMichigan iconMichigan
  • Harsh winters
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
ProsMissouri iconMissouri
  • Milder winters
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic

Missouri iconMissouri
  • No big lakes
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Lesser terrain variety
Michigan iconMichigan
  • Great Lakes
  • Cultural institutions
  • Varied landscapes

Pros of moving from Michigan to Missouri

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Missouri with a lower cost of living
  • Swap the traffic congestion of Michigan for less traffic in Missouri

Cons of moving from Michigan to Missouri

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the Great Lakes in Michigan to live with no big lakes in Missouri
  • You'll lose out on the pro of cultural institutions and have to settle for the con of fewer cultural events
  • Time to bid farewell to varied landscapes and get used to lesser terrain variety in Missouri

Michigan vs. Missouri: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMichiganMissouri
Most iconic local food itemPastiesSt. Louis-style Pizza
Most popular meat dishDetroit-style ConeysSmoked Brisket
Most popular street food itemDetroit-style PizzaSt. Louis Ribs
Most popular vegan foodCherry Quinoa SaladBBQ Jackfruit Sandwich
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Slows Bar BQ
  • Zingerman's Delicatessen
  • Cliff Bell's
  • Pappy's Smokehouse
  • Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
  • The Blue Owl
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Michigan to Missouri, you will be trading the iconic Pasties of Michigan for the equally delicious St. Louis-style Pizza of Missouri. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Detroit-style Coneys and sumptuous Detroit-style Pizza, Missouri residents know they have tasty Smoked Brisket and St. Louis Ribs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Cherry Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich of Missouri. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Michigan eateries like Slows Bar BQ, Zingerman's Delicatessen, and Cliff Bell's. After the boxes are unpacked in Missouri, don't wait too long before making your way to Missouri's acclaimed eateries like Pappy's Smokehouse, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, and The Blue Owl.

When comparing lifestyles, Missouri shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Michigan. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Missouri, compared to what you are used to in Michigan. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Missouri.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and Missouri

ComparisonMichiganMissouri
Typical Architecture StyleLakehouse/CottageColonial/Traditional
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLake access, spacious yardsHistoric homes, affordable living
  • The Lakehouse/Cottage architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Colonial/Traditional architecture typical of Missouri.
  • Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and spacious yards, Missouri real estate listings often highlight features like historic homes and affordable living.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Missouri is less walkable than Michigan.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Missouri is less bike-friendly than Michigan.
  • Missouri has less of an urban feel than Michigan.
  • Missouri housing costs are 1% more expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $243,216 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Missouri have increased by 49% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
  • Rent in Missouri is 7.98% more affordable than in Michigan.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Michigan and Missouri

ComparisonMichiganMissouri
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, TornadoesTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)79Β°F / 58Β°F88Β°F / 67Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31Β°F / 17Β°F40Β°F / 20Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)32.76"42"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60.66"19"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to Missouri. Missouri gets 21% more sunshine days than Michigan.
  • Missouri has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Missouri.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Missouri is 9 degrees warmer than Michigan.
  • The average winter lows are 3 degrees warmer than they are in Michigan.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Missouri. Missouri receives 9.2 more inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and Missouri

ComparisonMichiganMissouri
Avg. Household Income$66,986$64,811
Cost of Living Index91.291.8
State Income Tax4.25%5.4%
Avg. Property Tax1.54%0.97%
Avg. Sales Tax6.0%4.225%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, AutomotiveAgriculture, Aerospace, Transportation
AffluenceAverageModerate
PovertyModerateLower
HomelessnessLowerHigher
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Missouri tend to earn about 3% less than in Michigan
  • The COLI in Missouri will be 1% higher than what you are used to living in Michigan
  • The state income tax in MO is 5.4% compared to 4.25% in MI
  • The affluence in Missouri is moderate compared to average in Michigan
  • The poverty level is lower in Missouri compared to moderate in Michigan
  • In terms of homelessness, it is lower in Michigan and higher in Missouri

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. Missouri

ComparisonMichiganMissouri
Political Make-upModerately liberalConservatively inclined
Local PoliticsMixed, with progressive urban areasConservative, with some liberal urban pockets
ReligionChristian, diverse denominationsChristian, predominantly Baptist
  • Michigan tends to lean moderately liberal in its political climate
  • Missouri, on the other hand, is often described as conservatively inclined
  • Missouri's religious environment can be described as Christian and predominantly Baptist
  • Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian and diverse denominations

Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to Missouri

ComparisonMichiganMissouri
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University
University of Missouri
Missouri State University
Washington University in St. Louis
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBates Elementary School (Ann Arbor)
Musson Elementary School (Rochester)
Haisley Elementary School (Ann Arbor)
Clayton Elementary School (Clayton)
Old Bonhomme Elementary School (Olivette)
Wilson School (Clayton)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsSmith Middle School (Troy)
West Middle School (Rochester)
Boulan Park Middle School (Troy)
Ladue Middle School (Ladue)
Parkway West Middle School (Chesterfield)
Wildwood Middle School (Wildwood)
Top 3 High School SchoolsInternational Academy (Bloomfield Hills)
Troy High School (Troy)
Pioneer High School (Ann Arbor)
Clayton High School (Clayton)
Ladue Horton Watkins High School (Ladue)
Marquette High School (Chesterfield)
Top 3 private high schoolsDetroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills)
Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills)
The Roeper School (Birmingham)
John Burroughs School (Ladue)
Saint Louis Priory School (Creve Coeur)
Visitation Academy of St. Louis (St. Louis)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsRoeper School (Birmingham)
Greenhills School (Ann Arbor)
Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills)
The Pembroke Hill School (Kansas City)
Thomas Jefferson School (St. Louis)
Christian Brothers College High School (St. Louis)
Top 3 School DistrictsOkemos Public Schools
East Grand Rapids Public Schools
Novi Community School District
Clayton School District
Ladue School District
Parkway School District

How Much Do Michigan to Missouri Movers Cost?

Moving 657 miles from Michigan to Missouri will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Pro-Low Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,575300 ft3$5.25
1 Bedroom$2,340450 ft3$5.20
2 Bedrooms$3,862750 ft3$5.15
3 Bedrooms$5,6101100 ft3$5.10
4 Bedrooms$8,0801600 ft3$5.05
5+ Bedrooms$9,0001800 ft3$5.00

Top Michigan to Missouri Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Michigan to Missouri movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Pro-Low Moving featured image

Pro-Low Moving

Best moving company overall for Michigan to Missouri

9.69/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC featured image

Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC

9.62/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Tiger Moving LLC featured image

Tiger Moving LLC

9.35/10
ExceptionalView details